What are Habits of Work?

A successful Rutland High School graduate is one who has demonstrated proficiency in subject area content, such as reading, writing, and mathematics, and also in the behaviors of a productive community member. In 2012 we adopted a school-wide practice which states that a student’s grade represents “…individual academic achievement…” and we have worked since that time to separate the behaviors from the academic achievement.

Instituting a Habits of Work grade conveys to students and the larger school community the importance of acquiring and habituating these behaviors. A separate HOW grade allows a teacher to keep feedback on academic achievement separate from feedback on behavioral achievement while highlighting the importance of both.

Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, students will receive a final academic grade and a final HOW grade at the end of the course. Both grades will be included on the student’s transcript.

The Habits of Work (HOW) standard is a standard that appears in every class. This standard communicates the degree to which the student demonstrates behaviors such as collaboration, responsibility, and perseverance.

While non-academic factors may be highly valued and often contribute to academic achievement, they will be communicated separately from academic achievement.

Habits of Work Standards

Overarching Standard: By the end of the course, the student will be able to consistently demonstrate the habits and behaviors necessary for success in personal, educational, and career pursuits. (IC Standard: Demonstrate the habits and behaviors necessary for success in life.)

Prioritized Standard: By the end of the course, the student will be able to collaborate positively throughout lessons to ensure a productive, safe, and comfortable learning environment, treating others with respect and dignity.

Prioritized Standard: By the end of the course, the student will be able to accept responsibility for decisions and actions by achieving goals, such as meeting deadlines, completing assignments, and using class-time effectively.

Prioritized Standard: By the end of the course, the student will be able to persevere in solving problems and achieving goals by spending additional time on task, asking for assistance, and revising previous work.